5 budget friendly places to visit in Nairobi

Njaanuary can make you feel low from the high that was December merrymaking and vacationing.

If you are looking for an activity to get you outdoors or off the January routine, here is how to get a break from the couch and save on electricity while at it.

Karura forest

Entrance through the Limuru road gate is Sh 100 shillings and parking is Sh 100 shillings. At Karura you explore the Lilly Lake, Butterfly Valley, Waterfall and caves all in one day. You can jog, run or cycle at the forest and they do allow picnics at designated areas and at an extra cost. The remarkable trees canopy at Karura will leave you relaxed, educated about the different types of trees they have and in tune with nature at the end of the day.

David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates an orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in Kenya. It is located at Magadi Road near the Kenya Wildlife Service workshop. The park cares for 17 elephants in Nairobi and one rhino located in Tsavo. Overall they have successfully rescued and raised 250 orphaned elephants. The family of elephants at the sanctuary at the moment are aged between 10 months to 4 years old.

You can visit the park any day from 11 am-12 pm as that is when the elephants can come out to play and mingle with the guests. You can touch them and feed them all at the supervision of their trained caregivers.

It will cost you Sh500 at the entrance. The sanctuary accepts cash only so be prepared.

Eye of Nairobi at Two rivers Mall

The eye of Nairobi is Africa's largest Ferri wheel and its location at the Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka is easy to access. The Wheel highlights Nairobi’s panoramic skyline as it is 60 meters tall.

The ride takes about 17 minutes and charges are Sh500 per person. At night the giant flaunts its many colours as it overlooks the night sky.

Nairobi Safari Walk

The Nairobi Safari Walk is located at the Kenya Wildlife Services Headquarters on Langata Road Nairobi. It costs and Citizen adult Sh 215 and sh125 for a child.  Residents will part with Sh300 and Sh170 for an adult and child respectively. Non-residents adults pay $22 and $13 for children.

The raised wooden boardwalk in the park allows uninterrupted views of the animals and offers a showcase for Kenya’s Parks and Reserves, allowing visitors to discover what they can expect to see across the country. 

Giraffe Center and Manor

Nairobi Giraffe Centre is run by the African Fund for endangered species. It became world-famous as a Nature Education Centre, educating thousands of Kenyan school children every year. At the centre, you get to feed giraffes, kiss them and take photos.

A serene 1.5-kilometre nature trail is available at the giraffe centre at no extra cost. The trail is full of birds and goes down to Gogo River which runs from the Ngong Hills. An alternate route back to the centre will pass you by the Warthog Den.

All payments at Giraffe Centre is by, MPESA Buy goods till number, Credit or Debit card only. Cash Payments are not accepted therefore plan accordingly.

Non-Resident Adults Kshs. 1,500 (approx. $15.00)

Non-resident ChildKshs. 750 (approx. $7.50)

Resident Adults Kshs. 400

Resident Children  (Age 3yrs-12yrs) Kshs. 200 free for Children below 3yrs of Age

There you have it, folks, get away from binge-watching this weekend and enjoy the serene places in Nairobi that nature has to offer. Make sure to tag  #JioneeKenya on your photos so we can see them.